Young Cat Urinating since new puppy arrived.

by Kelli
(Wisconsin)

we have a cat about 18 months old and we got her when she was 5 weeks old. she never had an accident in the house since the day we brought her home. she always went in her litter box. About 4 weeks ago we got a new puppy and since then she has been peeing on my kitchen counters and in baskets around the kitchen. I know she's jealous but we still try to give her attention but if this continues we will have to take her to a no kill shelter. Any ideas?

Answer by Kate
Urinating like this is a sign of stress and upset from your cat, it has nothing to do with jelousy etc. She is doing it because her territory has been invaded by another animal and she is trying to reclaim it for herself and to make it smell more like her which will be comforting to her.

She is not being naughty, she is upset. It is importnat that the cat and dog get to know each other slowly and in a confined space for at least a week before they are allowed free access to the house. Please see my page under training about introducing cats it is the same process for a dog.

Also the cat will need its own space to retreat to and get away from the dog when they want to, so they should have separate areas where their beds and toys are. Alos make sure the cats litter tray is no where near the dogs area as this will make them nervous of using it.

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